The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) said it is investigating after two traffic officers and a suspect were knocked down by one of the TMPD officers.
The incident, which occurred in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, went viral on social media. In the video, officers are seen dragging and trying to arrest a motorist, when a clearly marked TMPD vehicle runs over the officers and the motorist.
The TMPD confirmed the incident and the members seen on the video are their members.
“On Friday, 12 January 2024, after failing to stop and interfering with the duties of the Tshwane Metro Police Department, a suspect and two TMPD officials were struck by a TMPD vehicle in a freak accident that occurred in Hammanskraal.
This incident was caught on camera and has since been circulating on social media.
At this stage we are in the process of assigning this case to an investigating officer internally and we will obtain official statements from the members involved,” said TMPD spokesperson Isaac Mahamba.
Mahamba added that the incident will be brought to the attention of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to conduct its own investigation and that the department will fully cooperate with the investigations.
He also confirmed that the officers were injured during this incident.
“The perpetrator and the two officers were taken to hospital immediately where they received treatment and were discharged on the same day.
After treatment, the perpetrator was taken to Temba Police Station and detained along with the driver and another passenger of the vehicle in which he had been travelling.
Charges against them include failing to comply with the instruction of a traffic officer, interfering with the duties of a traffic officer, crimen injuria and resisting arrest,” explained Mahamba.
He highlighted that the department regretted the incident and the impression created by the video on social media, and their confidence that the necessary investigations are underway to investigate and bring the matter to a close.
